[Boogieman]

Hey all,
I’ve just picked up an ‘05 CRF230F for my daughter.
I don’t think the previous owner has much mechanical knowledge. He’s removed the exhaust baffle and the snorkel but hasn’t touched the jetting. Besides the loose spark plug, dodgy attempt at a headlight install and general neglect, it’s a tidy bike for what I paid.
It pops at idle and is a bit erratic.
So far I’ve found that the valves are a bit tight, especially the intake and it has a ‘6’ plug rather than the ‘8’. I’ll fix those before I get too into the tune.

The jets in it are a 42.5 pilot and a 102 main.

My question is- do I put the snorkel back in and return it to stock or tune for the freer breathing setup?
My daughter isn’t a fast rider so rideable is better than out and out performance.

I’m guessing a 102 is lean even for a standard setup. Any suggestions on where to start?
We aren’t at altitude and usually between 20-35 degrees Celsius (Australia).

Cheers all.

[Aussiecrf230]

Hi Boogieman and welcome to the site.
Being a 2005 model you should have the needle with the 5 positions. Which is a benefit.

Depending where you ride having the exhaust baffle out may be a little loud and so what to do could be based on that. The factory exhaust is quite good so don't even think about changing it.
If you have both the exhaust baffle and snorkel they might be good to reinstall whilst your daughter is learning to ride this bike.
Now if you don't have them finding replacements can be difficult and probably hard to get in Oz.

Without reinstalling those bits you need to rejet so the bike doesn't run lean.
I would start with the 45 idle jet and a 120 main.

Rick shows how to do it here.
https://www.rickramsey.net/CRF230Fcarb.htm
Take note of the screwdriver warning, pozidrive generally provides a good fit just don't use phillips on anything Japanese in origin.

The extended fuel screw is nice to have but you should have the earlier one with the slot. A tight fitting piece of tubing over it can be used to adjust.

These bikes can get along quite well but can be a rocking horse in first gear when someone is getting use to the throttle.

Smooths out in second gear though.

Can her feet reach the ground as this does a lot for confidence otherwise teach her to stop with the wheel in a rut or depression to gain a foothold.

[Boogieman]

Cheers Aussie.
I’ve ordered the snorkel. I do know that intake mods will have a bigger effect on Jetting than a pipe so, I’ve ordered that.
My daughter is tall and this is her third bike so whilst slow, she’s actually quite experienced.
I might grad a few jets around the 120 size for a play.
Thanks for the response.

Cheers.

[Aussiecrf230]

I found bumping up the idle jet helps a lot with low speed running.
Perhaps bump main up to a 112 in the meantime.

You can always pull the snorkel and add a 120 in the future.

I am sure she will love it.

[Boogieman]

Thanks guys,
I’ve got the snorkel coming and have set the valves to spec. No popping through the intake now so I’m on the right track.